Six young chefs whipped up their best burgers for the Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally Youth Burger Contest on Saturday, July 27, at Yelm City Park.
Andrew Sponton, an incoming sixth grader at Eagle View Christian School, took the first-place prize with his “cowboy” burger that featured fried onions, sauce, lettuce and tomatoes. Noah Parsons earned second place, while Sawyer Parsons won third place.
Sponton took home the $300 cash prize and a trophy after impressing the judges with his burger. The 2024 event was his second time competing in the contest after placing fourth with his kimchi burger last year.
“I learned that I need to go more simple because there are kids judging,” Sponton said of his first performance.
His love of cooking came from his father, Joel, and he enjoys cooking steak, ramen and vegetables. Sponton said he plans to chase a second-straight burger contest crown in 2025.
Brendan Coulliette, who won the contest last year with his variety of spices and Parmesan crisp, placed fourth this year with a pumpkin spice burger. His patty included cumin, mushrooms, pepper, onions, lettuce, bacon and smoked Gouda cheese.
“I didn’t put olive oil in it, which gives it moisture, so it was really dry,” Coulliette said. “Next year, I’m going to try to re-make my first burger but make it a little bit different.”
